UNC Asheville parents Vincent and Michelle Grassia were originally skeptical when their daughter Juliana chose a school 600 miles away from their home in New Jersey. But after just a few weeks, it became apparent that the Grassia family had made the right choice.

“It became evident early on that Juliana was going to thrive here,” say the Grassias. “She has so many more opportunites at UNC Asheville that she would not have at a bigger campus."

Juliana double majors in political science and French. Just recently she completed an internship in Raleigh with the University of North Carolina system. She was encouraged to apply by one of her professors.

The couple is quick to point out that the university’s faculty and staff are not the only groups that help students reach their full potential. The Grassias believe financial support from families to the University Excellence Fund help students make the most of their time at UNC Asheville.

“The University Excellence Fund helps support areas that tuition alone is unable to cover," says Michelle. "Our daughter is getting an exceptional education at UNC Asheville thanks to support from many donors, including parents."